Gbayor Charles Gbayor
Brewerville, Liberia: The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC), Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., has called on United Methodists in Liberia and across West Africa to remain steadfast in their faith and to continue defending the symbol and identity of their denomination—the Cross and Flame.
Speaking during a worship service at the Burns Phelps Memorial United Methodist Church in Brewerville outside Monrovia, Bishop Quire encouraged members of the BPUMC to stay true to the heritage, mission, and unity of The United Methodist Church in Liberia amid ongoing rumors and misinformation about the denomination’s status.
“I want to thank you for being committed to United Methodism in Liberia despite rumors circulating in our country and on social media about our Church,” Bishop Quire said. “I know we are faced with misinformation and disinformation, but I want to use this opportunity to encourage you to continue defending the Cross and Flame which represent The United Methodist Church globally.”
Bishop Quire who also serves as the President of the West Africa Central Conference College of Bishops emphasized that the Cross and Flame are not just a logos, but also symbol of faith, service, and unity that has guided United Methodists for decades.
Bishop Quire reminded members that their spiritual identity is grounded in the teachings of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and that no amount of confusion or external influence should divide them from the church’s core mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
Bishop Quire, in furtherance , cautioned against individuals or groups spreading divisive information about the church’s future, noting that The United Methodist Church in Liberia remains firm in its commitment to the global connection.
“We must not allow ourselves to be distracted by rumors,” Bishop Quire stressed. “Our calling as United Methodists is to preach the gospel, serve humanity, and stand firm in faith.”
Members of the congregation expressed appreciation for the Bishop’s message, describing it as timely and reassuring. Many said his words rekindled their confidence in the church’s unity and mission, especially at a time when debates about the future of the denomination have intensified worldwide.
Bishop Quire urged all United Methodists to uphold peace, love, and truth in their communities while continuing to bear witness to Christ through faithful service. “Let us keep the Cross and Flame burning,” he said, “because it is a symbol of who we are and what we stand for as United Methodists.”